Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced that its Emergency Operations Center has been put on a “Level 1” status – its highest level – due to the Zika virus outbreak.

The EOC is the command center for monitoring and coordinating the emergency response to Zika, bringing together CDC scientists with expertise in arboviruses, reproductive health, and birth and developmental defects.

The EOC’s work includes:

Developing laboratory tests to diagnose Zika

Conducting studies to learn more about the possible linkages with microcephaly and Guillain Barré syndrome

Surveillance for the virus in the United States, including US territories

The White House said Monday that President Barack Obama will ask Congress for $1.8 billion in emergency funding to enhance efforts to prepare for and respond to the Zika virus, both domestically and internationally.

Click here to view the White House Fact Sheet for a breakdown on how the Obama Administration plans to use the funding.

Transmission of the Zika virus by mosquitoes within the continental United States has not yet been detected, but Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories in warmer areas with Aedes aegpyti mosquito populations are already seeing active transmission, the White House says.

In addition, some Americans have returned to the continental U.S. from affected countries in South America, Central America, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands with Zika infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 50 laboratory-confirmed cases among U.S. travelers from December 2015- Feb. 5, 2016, the White House adds.

The Georgia Department of Public Health on Wednesday (Feb. 3) confirmed the first travel-related case of the Zika virus in the state, Atlanta Business Chronicle broadcast partner WXIA-TV reported.

According to the CDC:

Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes).

The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.

Outbreaks of Zika have occurred in areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas. Because the Aedes species mosquitoes that spread Zika virus are found throughout the world, it is likely that outbreaks will spread to new countries.

Zika virus can be spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby. There have been reports of birth defects and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant.